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Friday, January 18, 2008

Facet Joint and You

many people complain about a back pain of some kind. It prevents them from doing the ordinary activities that others take for granted. For example, reaching for that item on the top shelf in the kitchen can be a challenge. For some, a severe back condition can prevent them from sitting or standing for a significant amount of time.

This population generally feels like their fitness level can never be the same as those without back problems, who happily go to the gym and kick butt with all kinds of fitness classes. Is a facet joint problem going to delegate you to live the rest of your life in the fat zone? No. There is a solution.

gentle stretching with a trainer is a start to a healthy and happy lifestyle. A certified personal trainer and certified yoga instructor has the knowledge to take you through a safe stretching program that will leave you feeling healthier and happier. Depending on the severity of the facet joint problem, you may have to live your whole life with a constant reminder that it is there. In most cases, however, yoga with a proper instructor in a one-on-one setting can alleviate a lot of pain and enable you to live a more normal life.

A variety of personal interests and professional paths have led siva to her current role as a personal trainer and yoga instructor with over 20 years experience. siva is listed in Whos Who in the world and is an author, lecturer and Can-Fit-Pro certified personal trainer who specializes in body-mind-spirit consulting and training women. siva has helped many clients overcome back issues in their lives through yoga through her company Shanti Consulting.

For more information on how siva can help you with alleviating the pain from facet joint issues through yoga, contact her today for a free consultation at http://www.getshanti.com and sign up for her free newsletter.

Web: http://www.getshanti.com

International Yoga Symposium Herculane Romania

Weight-Loss Bullshit

So I'm wearing my Exercise Scientist hat today.
And my Psychologist cardigan.
And my steel-capped, ass-kicking boots.

I may be blunt.
Okay, I will be.
But honest.
Possibly... politically incorrect.
Okay, probably.
Will possibly say what you don't want to hear.
Feel free to look away... now.

Hmm.. still here huh?
Thrill-seeker.
Crazy kid.

Even though I've spoken way too much for way too many years about getting in shape (in the course of my work)... and I'm kinda over it, recent events (stuff in the media here in Australia and several random conversations) have compelled me to write this post. It seems we're still missing the point when it comes to losing weight (effectively and permanently).

If you, or someone you know, needs to lose weight, pay attention and/or pass this post along.

Conventional thinking tells us that losing weight is essentially a physiological process; lift this, run there, stretch that, get your heart rate up, decrease your calorie intake, no carbs after three (crapola) and increase your energy expenditure.

Mostly good advice.

And traditional approaches (by the medical profession and the fitness industry) tell us that weight loss is essentially about three key variables; exercise, food and lifestyle. Oh yeh, and more education. And to a point, they are right. But only to a point.

I'm here to tell you that while exercise, food, lifestyle and education are indeed important variables in the process, without doubt, the biggest determinant of weight loss (or gain) is what's going on in that nine pound (four kilo) thing sitting on the top of our shoulders.

Yet the psychology of weight loss is rarely discussed (in any depth) by the 'experts'. And in my humble opinion, that's because many of them don't get it. It.. being the head stuff that goes with the body stuff.

If you have been, or are currently, overweight, then you absolutely know that losing weight is first and foremost a psychological and emotional process. I was a fatty (200lbs, 90kgs at fourteen)... and when I got my head in the right place, my body followed. I thought different, chose different(ly) and created different.

Q. What really determines weight loss (or gain)?
A. Attitude, thinking, self-control, mind-set and ultimately, decisions.

We know what to do.
But we don't do what we know.
We've never been more educated.
Yet we've never been fatter.
We've never had more resources.
And we've never made more excuses (heard them all).
We've never had more reasons to lose weight.
And we've never wasted more time.

But people don't wanna hear this message because it's too fundamental and obvious.
And it requires real effort, sacrifice, work and self-control.
No, we'd rather talk about weight-loss theory number ten million or the latest 'breakthrough' pill,
powder, potion, product, gizmo or gadget.
Or that amazing new weight-loss book.
'Cause we need another one of those.

We want quick, easy, convenient and painless.
We are soft.
We are precious, lazy and lack self-control.
We are the quick-fix society.
And the instant-gratification generation.
And the fat generation.

We want an answer that doesn't require effort or sacrifice on our part. And it is this mentality which keeps us (us, the society) fat.

If the answer to Global obesity was in fact, more education, information or resources, then we would all be getting leaner by the day because we've never been more educated, informed or equipped when it comes to diet, exercise, lifestyle and all that 'obesity-related stuff'.

Here's some random food for thought (nice book title)... on obesity. (You can still look away at any time).

1. External change needs to be accompanied (or preceded) by, internal change (for it to be lasting).

2. most people who lose weight regain it (over 95%) because they haven't really changed their attitude or thinking. They change their behaviours for a while but deep (deep, deep) down they haven't really changed their core thinking, beliefs, attitudes or standards. On a subconscious level many people are waiting for it (the diet, the fitness kick) to be over.. so they can go back to being 'normal'. And when they do eat less and exercise more they (often) slide into a deprivation mentality... constantly telling themselves that they're 'missing out'.

3. If we tell ourselves that it will be a painful, horrible process... it will be (for everyone). Attitude = outcome.

4. The sooner we stop looking for easy and start looking for effective... the sooner we'll start to see real (forever) change.

5. Weight-loss martyrs are a pain in the ass... "I've been so good... I've been so good."

6. While food, exercise and lifestyle are important ingredients in the weight-loss process... it is our head which determines how we eat, exercise and live. Which in turn determines our physiological state.

7. The fat person with all the knowledge, education and resources... and a crap attitude.. will stay fat.

8. The fat person with limited knowledge, resources and genetic potential.. and a great attitude... will produce much better results every time.

9. The sooner we stop getting in shape for 'events' (weddings, birthdays, reunions, parties) and start getting in shape for life... the sooner we'll start to see forever results.

10. The fitness industry and medical profession have a one-dimensional approach to weight-loss; physical. This is ignorant, naive and ineffective. Losing weight (effectively) is a complex, multi-dimensional process (physical, emotional and psychological).

11. Losing weight is not about finding the right program, diet, supplement or drug; it's about finding the right attitude.

12. Many (okay, most) fat people make excuses and tell lies. A lot. Just ask the ex fat kid. Yes, I know this sounds offensive but if you had experienced the thousands of conversations with as many fat people as I have... you'd know that I'm telling the truth. You can get offended... or educated; it's a choice.

13. By the way, 'fat ' is not an insult (in this discussion)... it's a physiological state.

14. The sooner we call fat what it is (as opposed to deluding ourselves by calling each other full-figured, big-boned and heavy-set) the sooner we will get serious about addressing obesity in a real, practical, no bullshit way. Perhaps we should worry less about political correctness and more about heart disease, diabetes, bowel cancer and the plethora of other obesity-related conditions. "Whatever you do.. don't mention the 'F' word.. you might hurt her feelings; she's not fat, she's... voluptuous!".

15. We love to play the blame game.
We wanna blame someone or something for our obesity.
It's a time thing.
It's a genetics thing.

As long as it's not a 'me' thing.

Otherwise I might have to get off my ass and take responsibility for my fat self.

If you're still talking to me, let me know your thoughts and where you're from.

PS. If you want to explore this subject in greater detail, there's a book called FATTITUDE which ain't too shabby. Not sure about the author.. but apparently the book's okay.

craig Harper (B.Ex.Sci.) is an Australian motivational speaker, qualified exercise scientist, author, columnist, radio presenter, and owner of one of the largest personal training centres in the world.

He can be heard weekly on Australian Radio SEN 1116 and gold FM and appears on Australian television on Network Ten's 9AM.

Motivational Speaker - Craig Harper

Baby Store Yoga Journal S Prenatal Yoga Video

Chlorine and Cancer: What Can a Water Filter Do for You?

Every day, cases of cancer are rising in astounding and unprecedented numbers. While medical professionals work tirelessly to find a cure for this most deadly of diseases, the numbers of terminally ill patients continue to climb. Although the cure for cancer continues to elude medical professionals, it is completely within our own power to protect our families and ourselves and to reduce our risks whenever possible.

In recent years, individuals have begun to seriously examine known carcinogens and to protect themselves from these cancer-causing agents. Sunscreen has become an important defense against skin cancer, and its use is on the rise. The number of smokers attempting to quit rises each day, precisely because of new information about the carcinogenic nature of cigarettes.

The increase in such protective behaviors clearly indicates an increased interest in protecting oneself from cancer risks. Still, droves of people continue to use and drink unfiltered tap water, not knowing about or not believing in the insidious nature of this substance. Whether we like it or not, the water that emerges from our taps, however pristine it may appear, is filled with carcinogenic compounds. A simple water filter can now serve as a valuable safeguard against cancer.

Chlorine and Tap Water: Untreated tap water is filled with such dangerous contaminants as nitrate, arsenic, microorganisms, and chemicals from pesticide runoff. Once this water reaches a municipal treatment plant, many contaminants are removed. However, one of the most dangerous contaminants is actually added to drinking water as a part of the treatment process.

Chlorine, added as an inexpensive and effective drinking water disinfectant, is also a known poison to the body. It is certainly no coincidence that chlorine gas was used with deadly effectiveness as a weapon in the First world War. This gas was known to severely burn the lungs and other body tissues when inhaled; it is no less powerful when ingested by mouth. Each day, as we use unfiltered tap water, we are effectively pouring bleach into our water before we drink it.

This poisonous chemical, accompanied by its byproducts, is now known to cause at least three types of cancers, among other serious health problems. The U.S. Council of Environmental Quality recently released a report stating that the risk of cancer is 93% higher among those drinking chlorinated water than among those not drinking chlorinated water! In the following paragraphs, you can read about the specific cancer risks of chlorinated water and learn how to protect your family and yourself from this insidious poison.

Bladder and Rectal Cancer: Chlorine has long been known to be a leading cause of bladder and rectal cancer. Once in water, chlorine interacts with organic compounds to create trihalomethanes (THMs). These THMs are particularly harmful to the body when ingested. When taken into the body, THMs encourage the production of free radicals. These free radicals proceed to destroy or damage vital cells in the body. Because so much of the water we drink ends up in the bladder and/or rectum, ingestions of THMs in drinking water is particularly damaging to these organs. THMs cause innumerable cases of bladder and rectal cancer each year.

Bladder and rectal cancer occur when malignant cells, often created by THMs, infect the inner tissues of the particular organ. Once they have taken hold in the bladder or rectum, the malignant cells can isolate themselves in the infected area or they can spread to infect other areas of the body, potentially causing more deadly forms of cancer. Each year, 13,000 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed in women while 37,000 new cases are diagnosed in men. Of these 50,000 new cases each year, slightly more than 20% of individuals will die from the disease. For rectal cancer, more than 40,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and approximately 55% of those individuals diagnosed will die from the disease.

Ironically, one of the best means of protection against these two types of cancer is drinking plenty of fluids. However, drinking larger amounts of contaminated water only exacerbates the risk.

Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is the newest type of cancer to be connected to ingestion of chlorinated water. Breast cancer affects one out of every eight women in the United States alone, and it kills approximately _ of its victims.

Recent research has linked this deadly cancer to a buildup of chlorine compounds in the breast tissue. In a shocking study conducted in Hartford, Connecticut, researchers found that women with breast cancer have 50% to 60% higher levels of organochlorines (chlorination byproducts) in their breast tissue than women without breast cancer. While chlorine can make its way into our bodies in several ways, there is no means of access more common or more frequent than the ingestion of common, unfiltered tap water.

A Simple Solution: One preventive solution to these three deadly cancers could not be simpler. If chlorinated drinking water is a leading cause of cancer, then the obvious method of reducing ones risk of cancer is to refrain from drinking chlorinated water. We cannot choose whether or not to drink water, but we can choose the type of water we allow into our bodies.

municipal water treatment plants add chlorine to water to help make it cleaner and more pure, but once that chlorine has performed its function, there is certainly no reason for it to continue its deadly presence in drinking water. A simple home water filter removes chlorine and its byproducts from drinking water, producing clean, pure drinking water that can also serve as a useful protection against cancer. Water filters are one of the only methods of water purification capable of removing chlorine.

So, what can a water filter do for you? The answer is simple but extremely valuable. A water filter can protect an individual from cancer, one of the deadliest killers of the 20th century.

Vanessa Lausch serves as a technical writer for the Aquasana Store, http://www.aquasanastore.com/.

Short Yoga Mat

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